Legendary American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie has passed away at the age of 87. According to an announcement shared on his official social media accounts, Mackie died on Monday, September 14. A cause of death has not been disclosed. Bob Mackie’s death comes after the recent losses of cultural icons Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and Gloria Steinem.“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement read. “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”Known for his dazzling, theatrical creations, Mackie became one of the most influential designers in American entertainment. His work was closely associated with some of the biggest stars in music and television, including Cher, Miley Cyrus, Diana Ross, Carol Burnett, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli and RuPaul.
Celebrities pay tribute
Among the celebrities paying tribute to Mackie was singer Sabrina Carpenter, who had worn several of his creations.“I feel so lucky to have met Bob,” Carpenter wrote on her Instagram Stories. “His one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world and they will continue to always x Mackie girl forever.”Model Coco Rocha also remembered Mackie, praising the lasting influence of his work.“There are designers whose work defines a moment, and then there are those rare few whose imagination teaches fashion something for generations. Bob was one of them. His clothes had wit, drama, fantasy and joy,” she wrote.Miley Cyrus wrote, “The legendary Bob Mackie has passed away at 87. Rest in peace, grace and fashion. Thank you for your art.”Actress Alyssa Milano shared her condolences on social media, describing Mackie as “one of the best that ever was” and revealing that she owns a collection of his dresses.Fifth Harmony alum Lauren Jauregui wrote, “Rest in peace to beautiful master of his craft. Thank you for all the beauty, Bob.”Michelle Visage also paid tribute to the designer, writing, “WE LOVE YOU BOB!!!! We will never EVER forget you and we are all eternally grateful for your art.”Laverne Cox remembered Mackie with a brief but heartfelt message, “Rest in Power. Thank you Mr. Mackie.”RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Shea Coulee wrote, “So thankful to you Bob for all of the glamour and beauty you’ve gifted the world. Rest in peace.”Designer Christian Cowan called Mackie a “Forever icon of design and joy”, while British-American designer Harris Reed described him as a “True visionary.”Mickey Boardman, longtime editorial director of PAPER magazine, remembered Mackie as “A true legend and an incredibly nice man,” adding that his work had been a gift to his iconic clients and audiences everywhere.
The Lennon Sisters remember Mackie
Kathy Lennon of vocal group The Lennon Sisters also shared a tribute on Facebook, remembering Mackie as a talented and welcoming figure.She wrote that Mackie had “left his legacy forever in the iconic world of gowns and show piece costumes,” adding that he was “one in a million” and would be “terribly missed, and never forgotten.”
Bob Mackie’s legendary career
Born Robert Gordon Mackie on March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, Mackie developed an interest in fashion and costume design at an early age. He attended Pasadena City College and later studied at the Chouinard Art Institute before leaving to work at Paramount Studios.From 1960 to 1963, he worked as an assistant and emerging designer under Ray Aghayan at Paramount Studios.Mackie went on to build an extraordinary career in television, film and fashion. He served as the costume designer for all 11 seasons of The Carol Burnett Show, which ran from 1967 to 1978, and later designed costumes for Mama’s Family. He also worked on The Sonny and Cher Show and created numerous costumes for Cher’s concert tours.His designs became synonymous with glamour, extravagance and theatricality. He dressed stars including Cher, Diana Ross, Barbara Eden, RuPaul, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Joan Rivers and Tina Turner.
Awards and legacy
Mackie’s work earned him nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award and three Academy Award nominations. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2002.In 1982, Mattel introduced a collection of collectible Bob Mackie Barbies, while Mackie later launched the QVC Wearable Art Collection in the 1990s.Over the course of his career, Mackie transformed celebrity dressing into a form of theatrical storytelling, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence designers and performers.
